
There are not many new energy vehicle charging stations. Introduction to charging piles: Charging piles function similarly to fuel dispensers in gas stations. They can be fixed on the ground or walls and installed in public buildings (such as public buildings, shopping malls, public parking lots, etc.) and residential community parking lots or charging stations. They can charge various types of electric vehicles according to different voltage levels. Functions of charging piles: Charging piles (plugs) can achieve timed charging, electricity metering, and cost calculation, serving as terminals for citizens to purchase electricity. At the same time, to improve the efficiency and practicality of public charging piles (plugs), functions such as one pile (plug) charging multiple vehicles and charging for electric bicycles will be gradually added in the future.

I've been driving a new energy vehicle for quite some time, and I feel there are plenty of charging stations in cities. Especially in big cities like Beijing and Shanghai, almost all shopping malls and parking lots are equipped with charging piles, making daily use very convenient. On weekends, I can park and charge while shopping, and it's done in just one or two hours—no anxiety at all. The government has been vigorously promoting this in recent years, and with policy subsidies, charging facilities have become widespread in new residential areas and office buildings. Using mobile apps like e-Charging for navigation, I can easily find available spots. However, if driving to remote rural areas or small towns, it's not guaranteed—I might need to plan the route in advance and have a backup app. Service areas on highways are mostly covered, making long-distance travel feasible, though it's advisable to check the local network before heading out. Overall, the growth is rapid, and daily life is hassle-free.

As a car owner who frequently travels with family, I believe the number of charging stations is increasing, but there's still room for improvement. In urban areas, the density is high, with charging points readily available in shopping malls and residential areas at affordable or sometimes even free rates. When traveling with kids, highway service areas along major routes are mostly equipped with charging stations, and the waiting time of around 30 minutes isn't a big issue. However, in suburban or remote mountainous regions, finding charging points can be troublesome, such as when map apps display incorrect information. The popularity of new energy vehicles is driving infrastructure growth, with government and corporate collaborations accelerating deployment—I've observed a quarterly increase of over 10% in new stations. In the long run, convenience is improving rapidly. For average family users, a bit more preparation before trips can easily overcome these challenges.

After several years of driving an electric vehicle, the experience is that the charging network is unevenly distributed. It's dense in urban areas but scarce on the outskirts. Popular tourist destinations generally have coverage with reasonable costs, and using a navigation app is sufficient. Highway service areas are also reliable. However, mountainous towns often lack charging stations, and the construction speed can't keep up with demand. It's advisable to test drive and understand the local situation before purchasing an electric car to avoid temporary inconveniences.

From a cost-effective perspective, electric vehicles save fuel but the number of charging stations affects expenses. Urban centers have more stations with lower prices, and some even offer free services. In rural areas, stations are scarce and fees are higher, increasing costs. Driven by policy support, the nationwide network of charging stations is expanding rapidly, but distribution remains uneven—using Amap to check real-time locations is more reliable. Long charging times are an issue; commuters are advised to charge after work to save time. Overall, growth is rapid, and the future promises better balance.


